Abstract

RUIZ HERNANDEZ, G.; VAZQUEZ FORNER, C.  and  FLIQUETE PERIS, M. V.. Value of the detection of serum thyroglobulin and I-131 scintigraphy in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer. An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2000, vol.17, n.12, pp.26-30. ISSN 0212-7199.

Objectives: The objective of this work has been to know the sensitivity of serum thyroglobulin and I-131 scintigraphy in the detection of thyroid remnants or metastases, and to evaluate the predictive value of serum thyroglobulin in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer patients. Methods: We have carried out a retrospective study of 218 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, with detection of serum thyroglobulin levels and I-131 scintigraphy in clinical status of hypothyroidism, after to perform thyroidectomy and between six and nine months later. We have rejected 16 and 14 patients who have had presented high serum levels of thyroglobulin, or an incomplete follow-up. Results: Our results showed a good correlation of both parameters (92%). The sensitivity of TG and I-131 scan was 85% and 90% respecti -vely, and superior to 90% for both procedures in the diagnosis of the osseous and lung metastases. The sensitivity of I-131 scan and TG was 100% and less to 70% in the detection of thyroid remnants and regional lymphatic nodes. The positive and negative value of TG was 99% and 91%, respectively, with a total of 24 false negative results. Conclusions: Considering this study, we believe that both techniques are complementary, with a lower sensitivity of serum TG in the detection of thyroid remnants and regional lymphatic involvement, and a negative predictive value that does not permit to accomplish the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer patients, considering exclusively the results of this tumoral marker.

Keywords : Serum thyroglobulin; Differentiated thyroid cancer; I-131 scintigraphy.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )